Ulysses S. Grant is a significant figure of the United States. Grant started his military experience at West Point, and moved on to serving in the Mexican War. Grant's big success was in the Civil War as Major General, when he won series of critical battles, and defeated the Confederacy. Grant then served two terms of presidency. Later, Grant wrote a memoir, but was not able to see its success, because he died four days later.
Early Life
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Clermont, Country, Ohio, on April 27, 1822. He was originally named Hiram Ulysses Grant, but through West Point, he was accidentally referred to by Ulysses S. Grant. In 1839, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1843, and commissioned a Brevet Second Lieutenant in the 4th infantry, which is not an impressive title. After he graduated he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri until 1844. After that, Grant was sent to fight in the Mexican War, which led from 1846 to 1848. Grant was opposed to the war, but fought in every major battle except Buena Vista. He was given the ranks of First Lieutenant and Captain for his success at Molino Del Rey, and Chapultepec. After the war, on August 22, 1848, Grant married Julia Dent. Recently after the marriage, Julia gave birth to their first son, Frederick Dent Grant. Ulysses was still involved in the army, and in 1853, he was promoted to Captain due to the death of a superior. On April 11, 1853, Grant was unhappy and in poor health. He resigned from the Army, and rejoined his family in White Haven. Grant now needed a sufficient way to earn money. He started with farming, but in 1858, he gave up and entered the real estate business. In 1860, Grant had no success with real estate, and he and his family moved to Illinois. In Illinois, he worked in his father's hardware and leather goods store.
Ulysses S. Grant in Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 1864
During the Civil War
At the start of the Civil War, in April, 1861, Ulysses S. Grant was taken from working at his fathers leather store. Grant was appointed by the Governor to command a volunteer regiment. A few months later, in September, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In June, he worked his way up to Colonel of the 21st Illinois Regiment of Volunteers. In February, 1862, Grant sought to win control of the Mississippi Valley, and took Fort Donelson. This was the first Union victory of strategic importance. In 1863, Grant was promoted to major general of volunteers by Lincoln. In April, Grant fought one of the bloodiest battles in the West, Shiloh. Some called to replace Grant, but Lincoln would not do so. As he said, "I can't spare this man, he fights." Next, Grant captured Vicksburg, a key city on the Mississippi. This cut the Confederacy in two. Chattanooga was next, which broke the confederate hold. In March, 1864, Grant's success in the West, appointed him General-in-Chief of the Union Armies. Now, he was up against Robert E. Lee, and his main military strategy was plainly to defeat him. This he accomplished on April 9, 1865. Robert E. Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Court House. Lee wrote out magnanimous terms of surrender that would prevent treason trials. Ulysses S. Grant had succeeded.
After the War
"The Peacemakers of the U.S. Civil War" a painting by George P.A Healing of General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant, President Abraham Lincoln, Major General William Tecumseh Sherman and Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter.
After the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant advanced to General-in-Chief. On July 25th, 1866, Grant commissioned the first full (four-star) general in American history. Grant’s next journey was in August, 1867, when Andrew Johnson, the current president at the time, appointed Grant as Secretary of War. Grant did not partake in this for very long. Congress insisted on Stanton’s reinstatement, and Grant resigned. Andrew Johnson was then impeached. On May 21st, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was nominated as the Republican candidate for president. Grant was clearly the most popular figure in the United States at the time. Grant became concerned that Johnson’s Reconstruction policies were harmful to the country, and he became supportive of the Radical platform. In his letter of acceptance to the nomination of presidency, Grant declared “Let us have peace.” This phrase was later inscribed on Grant’s tomb. On November 3rd, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was elected his first term as president, defeating Governor Horatio Seymour of New York.
Presidency
On March 4th, 1869, Ulysses S. Grant had his first inauguration. He advocated freedom from sectional prejudice,
Official White House portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant
resumption of specie payments, restoration of national credit, healthy national commerce, reform in nation policy toward American Indians, and ratification of the fifteenth amendment. On March 18th, 1869, Grant signed the Public Credit Act, which provided government obligations to be paid in gold. On March 30th, 1870, he issued a proclamation celebrating the ratification of the fifteenth amendment. Grant called this amendment "a measure of grander importance than any other one act of the kind from the foundation of our free government to the present day." On May 31st, 1870, Grant signed the first Enforcement Act, which protected voting rights of blacks. On June 13th, 1870, Grant issued an announced of strict neutrality, resisting strong pressure for the United States military involvement in the Cuban rebellion. On June 22nd, 1870, he signed a bill creating the Department of Justice under the Attorney General, which created major consolidation of the government’s power to enforce civil rights. During 1871 to 1872, Grant worked on the Prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan. Grant’s four years of office quickly passed which much activity, but he was not done yet. On March 4th, 1873, Ulysses S. Grant held his second inaugural address. Grant advocated civil rights legislation for former slaves, the gold standard, domestic and international commerce, industrial development, and continued reform of Indian policy. Grant’s intervention in the South on behalf of blacks became unpopular in the North and South because of racist attitudes across the nation. On April 22nd, 1874, Grant vetoed inflation of currency bill. This was the most important of all his ninety-four vetoes. On March 1st, 1875, Grant signed the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited racial segregation. On March 5th, 1877, Ulysses S. Grant’s second term ended, and Rutherford B. Hayes entered office.
Later Life
Grant writing his memoirs; a few days before his death
After Ulysses S. Grant left his presidency, he went on a two year tour with his wife Julia. From 1877 to 1879, Grant and Julia traveled through Europe, Africa, and
Asia. Grant was greeted by dignitaries, and was given treatment that was reserved for kings and emperors. Also during his various trips, world leaders consulted Grant on issues their nations faced When he returned home, a large number of Republicans wanted to nominate him for a third term as president. In 1880, he attempted. Representative James A. Garfield barely won the election though. In 1884, Grant decided to write his memoirs. His family was struggling financially, and this was his solution. While writing, Grant found out that he had inoperable cancer of the throat. It became hard for him to swallow. Despite this fatal disease, and the growing agony that came along with it, Grant continued to write his memoirs. On July 19th, 1885, he completed the memoirs. Four days later, on July 23rd, Ulysses S. Grant died, at age sixty-three.
Impact and Legacy
The United States fifty dollar bill with Ulysses S. Grant on it
Ulysses S. Grant died penniless, although his accomplishments lived on. The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant earned $450,000. This paid of his debts, and made his family wealthy.
Grant on his first United States postage stamp, wort five cents
Grant was a mystery in American history. He was an incredibly successful general, but his failings as a President are hard to understand. He was a natural leader on the battlefield, yet not an effective leader of the country. Ulysses S. Grant led way to series of critical victories that defeated the Confederacy, but not as incredible in the White House. Ulysses S. Grant was recognized profusely in the United States. In 1913, Grant was placed on the United States fifty-dollar bill. Grant was on a United States postage stamp more than twice. He was first placed on a postage stamp in 1890, and then later in 1938. Grant was also featured in many plays and movies. Actors played Grant in more than thirty-five movies.
Grant Versus Lee
By Jillian Sun Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant first met on the battlefield in 1864 in Virginia. Lee was merely looking to get a single resonant victory for the South and, of course, himself. Grant was looking at the bigger picture. He wanted to defeat the entire army of Northern Virginia and he was willing to take on anyone for the chance for a Union victory. Lee's army had held its own in the past against strong and large Union troops, though the army of Northern Virginia itself was not very large. Unfortunately for Lee, Grant's army was just as strong, but much larger in size. The moment that Lee saw Grants army, he knew that this would be the end for the South. He knew that Grant was powerful enough to take down any Confederate troop in his way. Both men knew that the Union was to be the winner of this war, but this did not give Lee the desire to quit, and Grant did not let his confidence get ahead of him. Both Lee and Grant were gentlemen. At one point, the Union was offering to surrender, which would have been the perfect time for Lee to strike, but he let them go, taking a fair win for the South. The only thing Lee and Grant really wanted was for their country to heal itself.
Interesting Facts
Grant had been invited to go to Ford theater with President Lincoln but he and his wife Julia decided to travel to New Jersey to visit their children instead. Had he attended, he would have been a target as well
Although he witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in history, Grant could not stand the sight of blood. Rare steak nauseated him and he was known to cook his meat to the point of charring
First president to have both his parents living as he entered office
Grant used around seven to ten cigars a day, although many of them he did not smoke, chewing on them instead. After a reporter wrote that Grant liked cigars, people began to send them to him as gifts. He received over 20,000, which contributed to his throat cancer
"Lee and Grant | The Civil War | Virginia Historical Society." Virginia Historical Society - The Center for Virginia History. 2011. Web. 20 May 2011. <http://www.vahistorical.org/lg/cw.htm>.
Simon, John Y. "American President: Ulysses Simpson Grant." Miller Center of Public Affairs. 2011. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. 15 May 2011 <http://millercenter.org/president/grant>.
"Ulysses S. Grant Civil War General American President." American Civil War History Timelines Battle Map Pictures. 11 Apr. 11. Central Design Lab. 16 May 2011 <http://americancivilwar.com/north/grant.html>.
Ulysses S. Grant
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ulysses S. Grant is a significant figure of the United States. Grant started his military experience at West Point, and moved on to serving in the Mexican War. Grant's big success was in the Civil War as Major General, when he won series of critical battles, and defeated the Confederacy. Grant then served two terms of presidency. Later, Grant wrote a memoir, but was not able to see its success, because he died four days later.
Early Life
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Clermont, Country, Ohio, on April 27, 1822. He was originally named Hiram Ulysses Grant, but through West Point, he was accidentally referred to by Ulysses S. Grant. In 1839, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1843, and commissioned a Brevet Second Lieutenant in the 4th infantry, which is not an impressive title. After he graduated he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri until 1844. After that, Grant was sent to fight in the Mexican War, which led from 1846 to 1848. Grant was opposed to the war, but fought in every major battle except Buena Vista. He was given the ranks of First Lieutenant and Captain for his success at Molino Del Rey, and Chapultepec. After the war, on August 22, 1848, Grant married Julia Dent. Recently after the marriage, Julia gave birth to their first son, Frederick Dent Grant. Ulysses was still involved in the army, and in 1853, he was promoted to Captain due to the death of a superior. On April 11, 1853, Grant was unhappy and in poor health. He resigned from the Army, and rejoined his family in White Haven. Grant now needed a sufficient way to earn money. He started with farming, but in 1858, he gave up and entered the real estate business. In 1860, Grant had no success with real estate, and he and his family moved to Illinois. In Illinois, he worked in his father's hardware and leather goods store.
During the Civil War
At the start of the Civil War, in April, 1861, Ulysses S. Grant was taken from working at his fathers leather store. Grant was appointed by the Governor to command a volunteer regiment. A few months later, in September, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In June, he
worked his way up to Colonel of the 21st Illinois Regiment of Volunteers. In February, 1862, Grant sought to win control of the Mississippi Valley, and took Fort Donelson. This was the first Union victory of strategic importance. In 1863, Grant was promoted to major general of volunteers by Lincoln. In April, Grant fought one of the bloodiest battles in the West, Shiloh. Some called to replace Grant, but Lincoln would not do so. As he said, "I can't spare this man, he fights."
Next, Grant captured Vicksburg, a key city on the Mississippi. This cut the Confederacy in two. Chattanooga was next, which broke the confederate hold. In March, 1864, Grant's success in the West, appointed him General-in-Chief of the Union Armies. Now, he was up against Robert E. Lee, and his main military strategy was plainly to defeat him. This he accomplished on April 9, 1865. Robert E. Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Court House. Lee wrote out magnanimous terms of surrender that would prevent treason trials. Ulysses S. Grant had succeeded.
After the War
After the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant advanced to General-in-Chief.
On July 25th, 1866, Grant commissioned the first full (four-star) general in American history. Grant’s next journey was in August, 1867, when Andrew Johnson, the current president at the time, appointed Grant as Secretary of War. Grant did not partake in this for very long. Congress insisted on Stanton’s reinstatement, and Grant resigned. Andrew Johnson was then impeached. On May 21st, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was nominated as the Republican candidate for president. Grant was clearly the most popular figure in the United States at the time. Grant became concerned that Johnson’s Reconstruction policies were harmful to the country, and he became supportive of the Radical platform. In his letter of acceptance to the nomination of presidency, Grant declared “Let us have peace.” This phrase was later inscribed on Grant’s tomb. On November 3rd, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was elected his first term as president, defeating Governor Horatio Seymour of New York.
Presidency
On March 4th, 1869, Ulysses S. Grant had his first inauguration. He advocated freedom from sectional prejudice,
resumption of specie payments, restoration of national credit, healthy national commerce, reform in nation policy toward American Indians, and ratification of the fifteenth amendment. On March 18th, 1869, Grant signed the Public Credit Act, which provided government obligations to be paid in gold. On March 30th, 1870, he issued a proclamation celebrating the ratification of the fifteenth amendment. Grant called this amendment "a measure of grander importance than any other one act of the kind from the foundation of our free government to the present day." On May 31st, 1870, Grant signed the first Enforcement Act, which protected voting rights of blacks. On June 13th, 1870, Grant issued an announced of strict neutrality, resisting strong pressure for the United States military involvement in the Cuban rebellion. On June 22nd, 1870, he signed a bill creating the Department of Justice under the Attorney General, which created major consolidation of the government’s power to enforce civil rights. During 1871 to 1872, Grant worked on the Prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan. Grant’s four years of office quickly passed which much activity, but he was not done yet. On March 4th, 1873, Ulysses S. Grant held his second inaugural address. Grant advocated civil rights legislation for former slaves, the gold standard, domestic and international commerce, industrial development, and continued reform of Indian policy. Grant’s intervention in the South on behalf of blacks became unpopular in the North and South because of racist attitudes across the nation. On April 22nd, 1874, Grant vetoed inflation of currency bill. This was the most important of all his ninety-four vetoes. On March 1st, 1875, Grant signed the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited racial segregation. On March 5th, 1877, Ulysses S. Grant’s second term ended, and Rutherford B. Hayes entered office.
Later Life
Grant writing his memoirs; a few days before his death
After Ulysses S. Grant left his presidency, he went on a two year tour with his wife Julia. From 1877 to 1879, Grant and Julia traveled through Europe, Africa, and
Asia. Grant was greeted by dignitaries, and was given treatment that was reserved for kings and emperors. Also during his various trips, world leaders consulted Grant on issues their nations faced When he returned home, a large number of Republicans wanted to nominate him for a third term as president. In 1880, he attempted. Representative James A. Garfield barely won the election though. In 1884, Grant decided to write his memoirs. His family was struggling financially, and this was his solution. While writing, Grant found out that he had inoperable cancer of the throat. It became hard for him to swallow. Despite this fatal disease, and the growing agony that came along with it, Grant continued to write his memoirs. On July 19th, 1885, he completed the memoirs. Four days later, on July 23rd, Ulysses S. Grant died, at age sixty-three.Impact and Legacy
Ulysses S. Grant died penniless, although his accomplishments lived on. The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant earned $450,000. This paid of his debts, and made his family wealthy.
Grant was a mystery in American history. He was an incredibly successful general, but his failings as a President are hard to understand. He was a natural leader on the battlefield, yet not an effective leader of the country. Ulysses S. Grant led way to series of critical victories that defeated the Confederacy, but not as incredible in the White House. Ulysses S. Grant was recognized profusely in the United States. In 1913, Grant was placed on the United States fifty-dollar bill. Grant was on a United States postage stamp more than twice. He was first placed on a postage stamp in 1890, and then later in 1938. Grant was also featured in many plays and movies. Actors played Grant in more than thirty-five movies.
Grant Versus Lee
By Jillian SunRobert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant first met on the battlefield in 1864 in Virginia. Lee was merely looking to get a single resonant victory for the South and, of course, himself. Grant was looking at the bigger picture. He wanted to defeat the entire army of Northern Virginia and he was willing to take on anyone for the chance for a Union victory. Lee's army had held its own in the past against strong and large Union troops, though the army of Northern Virginia itself was not very large. Unfortunately for Lee, Grant's army was just as strong, but much larger in size. The moment that Lee saw Grants army, he knew that this would be the end for the South. He knew that Grant was powerful enough to take down any Confederate troop in his way. Both men knew that the Union was to be the winner of this war, but this did not give Lee the desire to quit, and Grant did not let his confidence get ahead of him. Both Lee and Grant were gentlemen. At one point, the Union was offering to surrender, which would have been the perfect time for Lee to strike, but he let them go, taking a fair win for the South. The only thing Lee and Grant really wanted was for their country to heal itself.
Interesting Facts
Bibliography
Information
"History: Ulysses S. Grant: The Hero of the Civil War." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Dec.-Jan. 2009. 15 May 2011
<http://www.nps.gov/history/logcabin/html/usg2.html>.
"Lee and Grant | The Civil War | Virginia Historical Society." Virginia Historical Society - The Center for Virginia History. 2011. Web. 20 May 2011. <http://www.vahistorical.org/lg/cw.htm>.
Saturro, Frank. Ulysses S. Grant. 26 Oct. 2006. Ohio Historical Society. 13 May 2011 <http://faculty.css.edu/mkelsey/usgrant/granthist1.html>.
Simkin, John. "Ulysses S. Grant." Ulysses S. Grant. Spartacus International. 17 May 2011 <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAgrantU.htm>.
Simon, John Y. "American President: Ulysses Simpson Grant." Miller Center of Public Affairs. 2011. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. 15 May 2011 <http://millercenter.org/president/grant>.
"Ulysses S. Grant Civil War General American President." American Civil War History Timelines Battle Map Pictures. 11 Apr. 11. Central Design Lab. 16 May 2011 <http://americancivilwar.com/north/grant.html>.
Media
The American Presidents: Ulysses S. Grant. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Disney Education. 17 May 2011 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCZLae7kuTI>.
Pictures
From commons.wikimedia.org
Healy, George P.A. The Peacemakers of the U.S. Civil War. Digital image. One World Many Peaces__. 20 Oct. 2010. Xenos Media Group. 17 May 2011 http://www.oneworldmanypeaces.com/peace_pictures_perfect/2010/10/the-peacemakers-of-the-us-civil-war-by-george-pa-healy.html.